Kazakhstan and China are expanding their strategic partnership with new education and training programs aimed at developing a highly skilled workforce for the water sector and improving water resource management.

Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov discussed new areas of cooperation with Chinese Ambassador Han Chunlin during high-level talks on bilateral water initiatives, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

A key milestone will come in September, when the Kazakh National University of Water Resources and Irrigation launches a joint academic program with North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power. The two countries are also negotiating educational scholarships that would allow more Kazakh students to study water management in China.

The partnership will also see the creation of a training center in Taraz at the Kazakh Research Institute of Water Resources, established in cooperation with China's Three Gorges Vocational College of Electric Power.

Cooperation is already underway. In May, the first group of Kazakh water specialists traveled to China for advanced training on modern water management systems and environmental restoration technologies. The program was organized under agreements between Kazvodkhoz, Power China International Group Limited, and the water ministries of both countries.

China is funding the initiative, with around 200 Kazakh specialists expected to complete training in China by the end of 2026.

Nurzhigitov highlighted the importance of Chinese participation in Kazakhstan's water infrastructure projects and ongoing dialogue on transboundary water resources, describing the partnership as a key step toward strengthening sustainable water management.

Kazakhstan is also investing in its domestic workforce. Beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year, two additional colleges will start training specialists to support the country's growing water management sector.